On a grey Saturday morning in June, a team of four from Apsects Holidays headed to RAF St Mawgan to volunteer at the Children’s Hospice South West Rainbow Run. As Business Club members, we were asked by the charity to help out at the event. Our task - to throw powdered paint at the runners! 

Despite the mizzly weather, and even thunder and lightning on arrival, our enthusiasm didn’t falter as we donned tutus, applied face paint and biodegradable glitter, and enjoyed a hot beverage and snacks kindly supplied by the organisers in the volunteer tent. We were delighted to be allotted the yellow paint station, alongside the yellow sponsors, Happy Days Nurseries. 

Thankfully, the storm passed, the rain eased, and the skies cleared, allowing the sunshine to break through as the event got underway. The atmosphere grew in anticipation as more runners arrived, live music began, group warm-ups started, and stalls were busy raising money for the hospice. 

Excitement built as we made our way around the airfield to the yellow station, passing through several other colour points on route. We prepared our powered paint, figured out the optimal throwing position (taking the wind into consideration), and added yet more yellow attire to our outfits. We looked delightfully joyful in sunshine-yellow tutus, flower garlands, funky sunglasses, and of course our white Aspects Holidays t-shirts, which were ready to get covered in yellow too! 

It was wonderful to witness the runners approach, already splattered in shades of red, pink and orange from the previous stations, eager for the next shade to be added to their growing rainbow of colours. Cheering encouragement, we welcomed them to the yellow station and got down to business, throwing powdered paint in their direction. 

The event was so fun that it was easy to forget why we were all there - raising money for the fantastic Children’s Hospice South West, who provide hospice care for babies, children and young people living with life-limiting conditions, along with their families. The final participants to make their way around the route were families from Little Harbour Hospice. It was a privilege to be a part of creating a memorable day for them while raising funds to help provide continued care for children at Little Harbour Hospice. 

The event, which is in its 11th year, saw 1500 people participate and raised over £100,000 for Children’s Hospice South West’s Little Harbour Hospice! What an incredible effort by all involved, including the event organisers, the runners who raised sponsorship, the business sponsors, and over 200 volunteers. 

If you’ve been considering taking part in a rainbow run, even if you’re not a keen runner, we’d absolutely recommend attending CHSW’s rainbow run next year. The event is such a fun and entertaining day out and raises money for a fantastic cause. 

Here’s what some of our team had to say following the event:

Gemma Taylor, Communications Manager: “It was an absolute joy and an honour to help out at the annual Rainbow Run, and support CHSW. The incredible work they do at their hospices, supporting so many families, is truly inspiring and makes a real difference to our community in Cornwall. I can't wait to sign up for next year!”

Sharron Whitear, Customer Services Representative: “I was lucky enough to be a volunteer at The Rainbow Run – and what a day!  It was a privilege to be a very small part of such an amazing event, watching so many people giving time and effort to raise funds for a wonderful charity, while getting to spend time with colleagues outside of a work setting, and I would gladly do it again.  It was such good fun and hats off to the organisers who looked after us very well, so a special thanks to them for putting it all together, and to Aspects Holidays for letting me attend.  A fantastic event, a fantastic time, and a fantastic effort by all!”

Jenna Ali, PR and Marketing Executive: “When I signed up to volunteer at the Rainbow Run, I hadn’t expected such a fun and memorable day out! The event was incredibly well-organised, with lots to see and do, all while raising money for such a good cause. It was wonderful to be a part of such a fantastic event. 

If you’re visiting Cornwall, you can support the charity by visiting one of their shops, which can be found in the following towns: Bude, Wadebridge, Truro, Helston, Falmouth, Penzance and St Ives. 

Tags: Charity